1
|
Markowitsch SD, Binali S, Rutz J, Chun FKH, Haferkamp A, Tsaur I, Juengel E, Fischer ND, Thomas A, Blaheta RA. Survey of Physicians and Healers Using Amygdalin to Treat Cancer Patients. Nutrients 2024; 16:2068. [PMID: 38999817 PMCID: PMC11243289 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Amygdalin is purported to exhibit anti-cancer properties when hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). However, knowledge about amygdalin efficacy is limited. A questionnaire evaluating the efficacy, treatment, and dosing protocols, reasons for use, HCN levels, and toxicity was distributed to physicians and healers in Germany, providing amygdalin as an anti-cancer drug. Physicians (20) and healers (18) provided amygdalin over 8 (average) years to nearly 80 annually treated patients/providers. Information about amygdalin was predominantly obtained from colleagues (55%). Amygdalin was administered both intravenously (100%) and orally (32%). Intravenous application was considered to maximally delay disease progression (90%) and relieve symptoms (55%). Dosing was based on recommendations from colleagues (71%) or personal experience (47%). If limited success became apparent after an initial 3g/infusion, infusions were increased to 27g/infusion. Treatment response was primarily monitored with established (26%) and non-established tumor markers (19%). 90% did not monitor HCN levels. Negative effects were restricted to a few dizzy spells and nausea. Only 58% were willing to participate in clinical trials or contribute data for analysis (34%). Amygdalin infusions are commonly administered by healers and physicians with few side effects. The absence of standardized treatment calls for guidelines. Since intravenous application bypasses metabolization, re-evaluation of its mode of action is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha D. Markowitsch
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Sali Binali
- Department of Urology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (S.B.); (F.K.-H.C.)
| | - Jochen Rutz
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Felix K.-H. Chun
- Department of Urology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (S.B.); (F.K.-H.C.)
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Eva Juengel
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Nikita D. Fischer
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Anita Thomas
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Roman A. Blaheta
- Deparment of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (J.R.); (A.H.); (I.T.); (E.J.); (N.D.F.); (A.T.)
- Department of Urology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (S.B.); (F.K.-H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Genc E, Bulut I. Investigation of usage, attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among cancer patients in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic1. Work 2024:WOR230195. [PMID: 38701169 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are being uses more often with cancer patients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate attitudes, use and influencing factors of CAM among cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 407 cancer patients in Turkey. The study was conducted during July-September 2021 using a Questionnaire that included a Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale (CACMAS). Pearson's Chi-Squared Test, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, and logistic regression were all utilized. RESULTS The findings revealed that 76.2% of the participants stated that they used CAM methods while undergoing cancer treatment, and 65.2% of those who did so kept from sharing this information to medical professionals. Phytotherapy was the most common CAM method used by patients. The use of CAM was found to be significantly higher among those who were 55-64 years of age, married, secondary school graduates, non-smokers, CAM users before their cancer diagnosis, and who had a family history of cancer (p < 0.05). The participants' average CACMAS scores were 112.20±16.53. Among those who used CAM during treatment, non-smoking, overweight-obese participants had higher CACMAS scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Due to the high prevalence of CAM usage among cancer patients and possible interaction effects with chemotherapy medications, it is important for healthcare professionals to assess and educate cancer patients regarding CAM use. Additional research is needed to determine potential interactions, as well as pros and cons of CAM use during cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Genc
- Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Vocational School of Health Services, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Irem Bulut
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ashrafizadeh H, Rassouli M. Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine in cancer care: Challenges and opportunities. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100321. [PMID: 38111680 PMCID: PMC10727935 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hadis Ashrafizadeh
- School of Nursing, Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rybicka M, Zhao J, Piotrowicz K, Ptasnik S, Mitka K, Kocot-Kępska M, Hui KK. Promoting whole person health: Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:509-517. [PMID: 37925335 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Poland has a unique history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back to the 17th century when Polish missionary Michael (Michał) Boym was a pioneer in the field. In the 20th century, his successor, Professor Zbigniew Garnuszewski, reintroduced acupuncture to medical practice in Poland. However, other methods of TCM and its holistic approach to patient care have not found their place in modern medicine in Poland. At present, the legal status of TCM in Poland remains unregulated, with TCM included in the broad spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. Few reports are available on the use of TCM methods among the Polish population. Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine with evidence-based CAM interventions and considers all aspects of a patient's health, including physical, emotional, mental, social, and environmental factors. An integrative healthcare model that incorporates TCM modalities and lifestyle recommendations as well as a whole person approach may provide a more sustainable solution for the constantly underfinanced Polish healthcare system, which faces challenges of multimorbidity in an aging society and limited access to care. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, war in Ukraine, and ongoing climate crisis have underscored the need to strengthen the resilience of the Polish healthcare system and search for new solutions. A model of care that blends the best of biomedicine and TCM healing approaches may be a better option for both patients and the healthcare system in Poland. Please cite this article as: Rybicka M, Zhao J, Piotrowicz K, Ptasnik S, Mitka K, Kocot-Kępska M, Hui KK. Promoting whole person health: Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 509-517.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rybicka
- Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Jing Zhao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, TCM Clinic, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Karolina Piotrowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Sara Ptasnik
- Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Kamila Mitka
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kocot-Kępska
- Department of Pain Research and Treatment, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ka-Kit Hui
- Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pan B, Yin HW, Yu Y, Xiang X, Yu C, Yan XJ, Zhai XF, Bai Y, Hong J. Acceptance and attitude towards the traditional chinese medicine among asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in Shanghai Fangcang hospital. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:97. [PMID: 36997922 PMCID: PMC10061361 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03922-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought severe damage to global health and socioeconomics. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the most important complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and it has shown a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. However, it is unknown whether patients are willing to accept TCM treatment. The objective of our study is to investigate the acceptance, attitude, and independent predictors of TCM among asymptomatic COVID-19 patients admitted to Shanghai fangcang hospital during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai in 2022.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the largest fangcang hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 22, 2022, to May 25, 2022. Based on the literature review of previous similar studies, a self-report questionnaire was developed to assess the patients’ attitude and acceptance of TCM, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent predictors of TCM acceptance.
Results
A total of 1,121 patients completed the survey, of whom 91.35% were willing to accept CAM treatment whereas 8.65% of participants showed no willingness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the patients who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 2.069, 95%CI: 1.029–4.162, P = 0.041 vs. not received), understood the culture of TCM (OR = 2.293, 95%CI: 1.029–4.162, P = 0.014 vs. not understood), thought the TCM treatment is safe (OR = 2.856, 95%CI: 1.334–6.112, P = 0.007 vs. not thought), thought the TCM treatment is effective (OR = 2.724, 95%CI: 1.249–5.940, P = 0.012 vs. not thought), and those who informed their attending physician if using TCM for treatment (OR = 3.455, 95%CI:1.867–6.392, P < 0.001 vs. not informed) were more likely to accept TCM treatment. However, patients who thought TCM might delay your treatment (OR = 0.256, 95%CI: 0.142–0.462, P < 0.001 not thought) was an independent predictor for unwillingness to accept TCM treatment.
Conclusion
This study preliminarily investigated the acceptance, attitude, and predictors of intention to receive TCM among asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. It is recommended to increase the publicity of TCM, clarify the impact of TCM and communicate with attending doctors that meet the healthcare needs of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
|
6
|
Nakandi K, Stub T, Kristoffersen AE. Clinical associations for traditional and complementary medicine use among norwegian cancer survivors in the seventh survey of the Tromsø study: a cross-sectional study. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:70. [PMID: 36871025 PMCID: PMC9985214 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03896-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors are a diverse group with varying needs that are patient-, disease-, and/or treatment-specific. Cancer survivors have reported supplementing conventional anti-cancer treatment with Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM). Although female cancer survivors are reported to have more severe anticancer adverse effects, little is known about the association between anticancer treatment and T&CM use among Norwegian cancer survivors. The aims of this study are therefore to investigate (1) associations between cancer diagnosis characteristics and T&CM utilization and (2) associations between anticancer treatment and T&CM utilization among cancer survivors in the seventh survey of the Tromsø study. METHODS Data was collected from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study conducted in 2015-16 among all inhabitants of Tromsø municipality aged 40 and above (response rate 65%), where inhabitants received online and paper form questionnaires. Data from the data linkage to the Cancer Registry of Norway for cancer diagnosis characteristics was also used. The final study sample was made up of 1307 participants with a cancer diagnosis. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test while independent sample t-test was used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS The use of T&CM the preceding 12 months was reported by 31.2% of the participants with natural remedies as the most reported modality of T&CM (18.2%, n = 238), followed by self-help practices of meditation, yoga, qigong, or tai chi, which was reported by 8.7% (n = 114). Users of T&CM were significantly younger (p = .001) and more likely to be female (p < .001) than the non-users, with higher use of T&CM among female survivors with poor self-reported health and being 1-5 years post-diagnosis. Lower use of T&CM was found among female survivors who received a combination of surgery with hormone therapy and those who received a combination of surgery with hormone therapy and radiotherapy. Similar usage was seen in male survivors, but not at a significant level. For both male and female survivors, T&CM was most frequently used by those with only one cancer diagnosis (p = .046). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the profile of the Norwegian cancer survivor who uses T&M is slightly changing compared to previous findings. Additionally, compared to male survivors, more clinical factors are associated with use of T&CM among female cancer survivors. These results should serve as a reminder to conventional health care providers to discuss the use of T&CM with patients across the entire cancer survivorship continuum to promote safe use, especially among female survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiwumulo Nakandi
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Trine Stub
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Agnete E Kristoffersen
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gracida-Osorno C, Jiménez-Martínez SL, Uc-Cachón AH, Molina-Salinas GM. The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Peritoneal Dialysis Patients at a Second-Level Hospital in Yucatán Mexico. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11050722. [PMID: 36900727 PMCID: PMC10001407 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11050722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used for multiple reasons such as treatment of diseases and their symptoms, empowerment, self-care, disease prevention, dissatisfaction, adverse effects or cost of conventional medicine, perception of compatibility with beliefs, and idiosyncrasy. This study investigated CAM use in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 240 eligible patients with CKD in the PD program. By applying the I-CAM-Q-questionnaire, the frequency, level of satisfaction, and reasons for CAM use were explored, and the demographic and clinical data of users and non-users were analyzed. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher tests. RESULTS The main types of CAM used were herbal medicine, and chamomile was the most commonly used. To improve the state of well-being was the main reason for use, the attributable benefit of CAM was high, and only a low percentage of users reported side effects. Only 31.8% of the users informed their physicians. CONCLUSION The use of CAM is popular among renal patients, and physicians are not adequately informed; in particular, the CAM type ingested represents a risk for drug interactions and toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gracida-Osorno
- Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General Regional No. 1, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Sandra Luz Jiménez-Martínez
- Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital General Regional No. 1, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Andrés Humberto Uc-Cachón
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Gloria María Molina-Salinas
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida 97150, Yucatán, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jędrzejewska AB, Ślusarska BJ, Jurek K, Nowicki GJ. Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the International Questionnaire to Measure the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) for the Polish and Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:124. [PMID: 36612446 PMCID: PMC9819037 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country's traditional or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the prevailing health care system. The aim of this study is the linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) and the assessment of the occurrence and factors related to CAM among patients in Poland. A methodological model of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of research tools according to Beaton et al. with a Delphi-Technique was used for the linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Polish version of I-CAM-Q. The Delphi consensus was achieved in the scale assessment between the experts in two rounds (with a score of above 80% of expert agreement). Data was collected using an online survey within 38 thematically different groups on Facebook, among 524 participants. Over half (59.7%, n = 313) of the respondents used the services of at least one CAM practitioner. On the other hand, 50.8% (n = 266) of the respondents declared using physician's advice. The use of herbs and plant products was reported by 84.7% (n = 444), and vitamins and minerals by 88.4% (n = 463) of respondents. The most commonly used self-help practices among the respondents were relaxation techniques (49.6%), praying for one's health (43.3%) and meditation (41.2%). The consensual methodology of validating the Polish version of the I-CAM-Q scale allowed for creation of a conceptually and linguistically equivalent tool with the original international instrument. A high frequency of CAM use was found among the respondents. Therefore, strategies should be implemented to improve patient-physician communication on the use of CAM in Poland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Brygida Jędrzejewska
- Department of Family and Geriatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 6 Str., PL-20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Janina Ślusarska
- Department of Family and Geriatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 6 Str., PL-20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jurek
- Institute of Sociological Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14 Str., PL-20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Józef Nowicki
- Department of Family and Geriatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 6 Str., PL-20-081 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Current Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure: An Update Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2574438. [PMID: 35783509 PMCID: PMC9246583 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2574438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide range of different non-mainstream therapies that have been increasingly used for the treatment or adjunct treatment of various ailments, with premature ovarian failure (POF) being one of the most common conditions treated with CAM. This review updates the progress of CAM in the treatment of POF, and we focus specifically on reviewing the evidence for the efficacy and mechanisms of a range of CAM treatments in POF, including single herbal medicines and their active ingredients, compound Chinese medicines, acupuncture and moxibustion, psychotherapy, exercise, vitamins, massage, and dietary supplements. According to the literature, CAM is very helpful for improving POF symptoms, and we hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future. However, more clinical trials are needed to prove the safety of CAM.
Collapse
|